Principles of Quantum Mechanics · Problem 1.8.10

Mathematical Introduction — R. Shankar

Physics — Quantum Mechanics · simultaneous-diagonalization

Problem

By considering the commutator, show that the following Hermitian matrices may be simultaneously diagonalized. Find the eigenvectors common to both and verify that under a unitary transformation to this basis, both matrices are diagonalized. Ω=[101000101],Λ=[21110−11−12]\Omega = \begin{bmatrix} 1 & 0 & 1 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 1 & 0 & 1 \end{bmatrix}, \qquad \Lambda = \begin{bmatrix} 2 & 1 & 1 \\ 1 & 0 & -1 \\ 1 & -1 & 2 \end{bmatrix} Since Ω\Omega is degenerate and Λ\Lambda is not, you must be prudent in deciding which matrix dictates the choice of basis.

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